Mac, many time when I code cut keys for Yale the next number up seems to work meaning if the bitting code is 74145 then 85256 would work. Give it a try. Yale used a different system back in with 0 as the deepest cut.

Also if those old mail lever locks dont lock then thats either lots and lots of dirt preventing the levers from moving or in worst case the springs the broken. They can be fixed but its going to be very hard to make it look like it was after grinding down those rivets. Still a lock like that deserves to be saved.

Papa Gleb wrote:Mac, many time when I code cut keys for Yale the next number up seems to work meaning if the bitting code is 74145 then 85256 would work. Give it a try. Yale used a different system back in with 0 as the deepest cut.

Pin wear is also a consideration - I've code cut keys for a Yale 850 that didn't work, and after failing at impressioning (admittedly a weak skill of mine), I took it apart to make a key. After measuring the pins, found the first three 0.015-0.020" too short, the next two about 0.010" too short, and the last pin dead on.

I have some not so secure locks, where it is possible to remove the shackle screw while it is locked. It won't unlock it, but then nothing it preventing the shackle from fall out when unlocking. It is really bad design that outsiders can remove parts from a locked lock, so if that were the case with Abloy, then I would hold back on buying one.

So I am really happy to hear this. I am now watching an auction for a 342. I hope I win it =)

I have some not so secure locks, where it is possible to remove the shackle screw while it is locked. It won't unlock it, but then nothing it preventing the shackle from fall out when unlocking. It is really bad design that outsiders can remove parts from a locked lock, so if that were the case with Abloy, then I would hold back on buying one.

So I am really happy to hear this. I am now watching an auction for a 342. I hope I win it =)

if the shackle diameter is right the 362 is the top of the line.

since u are in denmark you might want to look at an ASSA Ruko 3 or 4-5 depending on your needs, i really like the D12 cylinder but with abloy you can't beat a protec 2

Ditto, the Protec system is really nice. If you can easily get hold of Abloy locks, they're really nice. Check out my locks thread for some breakdowns.

ASSA Rukos are really lovely locks, I currently only own one (using the D12 keyway) but I have some others on the way - from what I've heard they are fairly hard to pick and though I haven't yet received mine, the grade 4 ones look solid as a rock so if Rukos are easier to find I highly recommend those too.

Oh, and I know what you mean about removing the shackle screw - the grub screw in Abloys actually just keeps the bottom plate in, which protects the core - they don't affect the shackle at all . Oh and they are -all- protected by the shackle closing (the access hole is in the side of the body but the screw is the other side of the shackle hole, so when slid down into the locked position the shackle will completely cover the access hole). The only exception to this rule AFAIK is the cheapie Abloy 321, which has a hammered-in pin protecting the access hole instead.

FYI - This thread and your imgur account were the bane of my existence for a few days... I must have gone through 15 different secret santa gift ideas, only to discover that you already had two or more of the lock in question (always in better condition than mine). I think you were the worst possible draw!

HT4 wrote:FYI - This thread and your imgur account were the bane of my existence for a few days... I must have gone through 15 different secret santa gift ideas, only to discover that you already had two or more of the lock in question (always in better condition than mine). I think you were the worst possible draw!

AHAHAHAHHAHHA yes i didn't think i was gonna be impressed but i thank you very much, the kaba is super cool, thanks so much

HT4 wrote:FYI - This thread and your imgur account were the bane of my existence for a few days... I must have gone through 15 different secret santa gift ideas, only to discover that you already had two or more of the lock in question (always in better condition than mine). I think you were the worst possible draw!

AHAHAHAHHAHHA yes i didn't think i was gonna be impressed but i thank you very much, the kaba is super cool, thanks so much